The Aboriginal Liaison position contributes to the maintenance and development of productive and positive working relationships with Aboriginal communities within the Nechako area. The incumbent will work with First Nations band chiefs and councils, and other Aboriginal leaders, as well as College colleagues, agencies, industry, and businesses, to design and create appropriate Aboriginal guidelines for college programs and services.

• Assist the campus in designing dynamic Aboriginal strategies and policies that create positive educational and service links between the college and Aboriginal communities.
• Liaise between Aboriginal communities and the college.
• Advise and guide College employees about Aboriginal processes, procedures and protocols, and other cultural considerations.
• Facilitate meetings with chiefs and councils, administrators and other Aboriginal communities.
• Encourage involvement of chiefs, council, elders, and other Aboriginal leaders in college activities and events.
• Provide an outreach service to Aboriginal communities.
• Help promote college programs and services to Aboriginal communities.
• Solicit feedback from Aboriginal students to identify required supports and ensure campus activities and programming are culturally inclusive.
• Track and promote Aboriginal student successes.
• Do presentations for Aboriginal community meetings and events as requested.
• Collect appropriate qualitative and quantitative data for a variety of Aboriginal initiatives.
• Write in-depth Aboriginal reports and position papers, as well as other relevant communication materials.
• Plan, organize and implement Aboriginal events where the college is involved.
• Facilitate linkages and planning between Aboriginal organizations to integrate educational offerings.
• Co-design and write proposals with Aboriginal organizations for college programs and services.
• Gather ideas from Aboriginal organizations and communities for programming.
• You will be part of a team actively engaged in contributing to and accomplishing the vision, mission, and goals of the College and in supporting the aspirations and needs of learners and communities.
• You will promote a positive work atmosphere and communicating in a professional manner that demonstrates mutual respect with students and colleagues.
• Other related duties

• Four years post-secondary education preferred, with two years required, and previous experience.
• Two years required, and previous experience, minimum (3 years) working collaboratively with a variety of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups and organizations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong facilitation, mediation and negotiation skills
• In-depth understanding of Aboriginal cultures and issues with firsthand knowledge of local Aboriginal organizations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (English)
• Demonstrated understanding of the post-secondary education system, particularly in relationship to community initiatives; ability to articulate an appropriate philosophy of community service for colleges.
• Demonstrated commitment to service excellence.
• Proficient in appropriate technological resources including the following computer areas:
• Word processing and publishing
• Spreadsheet and database construction and application
• E-mail, Internet and Web based research
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to gather, analyse, integrate and summarize complex and varied material, and to provide accurate, complete and current information and advice on short notice.
• Demonstrated initiative to stay informed about community and organizational changes, initiatives and opportunities.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analysis/feedback skills.
• Ability to represent the College effectively with external community partners, including in complex communication and coordination functions; ability to work with discretion, diplomacy and judgement in public, on behalf of the College.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively to meet demanding work schedules and deadlines, usually beyond the control of the position.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work positively in a busy, demanding environment.
• Ability to practice a learner-/community-/service-centred approach
• Valid driver’s license

This position requires a person of Aboriginal ancestry who also meets all other necessary qualifications.

This position will remain posted until filled, screening of applications will begin immediately